Make Your Point > Archived Issues > DINT

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connect today's word to others: Back in the days before spellings were standardized, whether people wrote dent or dint, they meant "a blow, such as a strike from a sword." The phrase "by dint of sword" (which is almost 700 years old) means "by the power of the sword's blows: by using force, or by waging war." And so, today, if we say "She earned the promotion by dint of her efficient work," we're standing on a hidden metaphor, suggesting that her efficient work was as powerful as a sword--or as powerful as an entire army equipped with swords. So you can see how the word dint is still similar to the word dent: by dint of one thing, you're victorious, putting a series of metaphorical dents in something else.  To sum that up, we just looked at how dint and dent started out as different ways to spell the same word, then split off into their own meanings. Could you explain how the same process happened with the words mettle and metal, and with the words mantle and mantel? (If you're not sure, follow the links, and you'll find the answers near the top of the page.) make your point with... "DINT" We use the word "dint" in the phrase "by dint of something." To succeed at something "by dint of some quality" is to use that quality in a strong, powerful, persistent way to achieve success. In other words, "dint" means "a strong, powerful, persistent quality that leads to success." Pronunciation: DINT Part of speech: It's a noun, the uncountable kind. Other common forms: none How to use it: "Dint" is a strong, compact, emphatic synonym of "means," "way," "force," "power" and so on. When you need to call special attention to your idea, pick "dint" instead of those more common synonyms. Talk about people accomplishing something by dint of some quality they have or some action they take.  For instance, you can say someone did something    by dint of skill or talent,    by dint of sheer luck,    by dint of character or reputation,    by dint of honesty or likeability,    by dint of membership in an exclusive club,    by dint of attending a prestigious college, or    by dint of being the tallest person in the room. Although we usually talk about people who accomplish things by dint of some quality, it can also be things, places, or ideas that do so. "By dint of its beauty, the waterfall attracts thousands of tourists each year." "The philosophy gained adherents by dint of its logic, elegance, and practical value." You'll notice that we use "dint" most often with a positive tone, talking about accomplishments and achievements. But it can be negative, too. We can use it sarcastically, often to talk about bad outcomes. "The team failed by dint of laziness." "By dint of being a self-absorbed nut case, he dominated the media." examples: Their wedding business doesn't get repeat customers--thank goodness!--so it thrives by dint of its social media presence and its ongoing word-of-mouth marketing. "Jackson grew up dirt-poor. He rose by dint of guts and grit to become a lawyer, politician, judge, general and finally president." —Sidney Plotkin, Salon, 31 January 2017 study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "dint" means when you can explain it without saying "force" or "power." try it out: Fill in the blanks: "(Some book or movie) (has a certain effect on people) by dint of (some quality)." Example: "The Wizard of Oz touched people deeply by dint of its optimism, its assurance that everyone has within them the power to steer their own course." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Uncommon Opposites! In each issue this month, I'll give you a rare word and its definition, and you come up with its more familiar opposite. For example, if I say, "To exfiltrate is to secretly withdraw people from a dangerous situation," then you come up with the opposite: "infiltrate." Or if I say, "An allograph is something written by someone other than the person concerned," then you come up with "autograph." We'll take these in order from easy to hard as the month goes on. Ready? From our previous issue: Someone materternal, or materterine, is aunt-like. What’s the opposite? (Think "uncle-like," not "niece/nephew-like," and not "un-aunt-like.") Answer: Avuncular. Try this today: Parvanimity is meanness, small-mindedness. What’s the opposite? review today's word: 1. A close opposite of DINT is A. FORGETFULNESS. B. FEEBLENESS. C. FORTITUDE. 2. By dint of _____, his second draft turned out livelier and more engaging. A. three more months B. his colleagues and friends C. a few jokes and personal asides Answers are below. a final word: Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each weekday morning by Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From Liesl's blog:    36 ways to study words.    Why we forget words, & how to remember them.    How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. C